Press release

UKEF unveils plans to help exporters win 拢12.5 billion in new business by 2029

The government department outlines new ambitions for supporting UK business with the publication of its new business plan.

This was published under the 2022 to 2024 Sunak Conservative government
  • UK Export Finance publishes its new 2024-29 Business Plan, setting out its intention to help firms win over 拢12.5 billion in new business by 2029.聽聽

  • The export credit agency also aims to support 拢10 billion in clean growth financing over the next few years and mobilise a further 拢10 billion to support business in developing markets.聽

  • Plan includes more financing opportunities for smaller businesses alongside a commitment to support 1,000 SMEs a year by 2029.

British businesses are set to benefit from billions of pounds of new exporting opportunities in a further boost to the UK economy under plans published today by UK Export Finance (UKEF).聽聽

Ministerial government department UKEF is the country鈥檚 export credit agency (ECA), helping businesses access finance and insurance to support their overseas trade ambitions.聽聽

Its new 2024-29 Business Plan includes a commitment to help companies across the United Kingdom win over 拢12.5 billion in new contracts by 2029, as well as unlocking 拢5 billion of investment into their UK operations.聽聽

Supported by collaboration with the Department for Business and Trade, British Business Bank and local Chambers of Commerce, UKEF has set out ambitions to support 1,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) a year by 2029. Greater access to business financing will support enterprise growth across all UK regions.聽聽

UKEF is aiming to support 拢10 billion in financing for clean growth sectors in the next five years, building on its record of supporting sustainable growth both in the UK and internationally. UKEF鈥檚 backing for clean-growth exports over the last year included support worth 拢367 million for the construction of one of the world鈥檚 largest wind technology factories in Teesside, and financing for a 350km water sanitation system in Iraq.聽聽

UKEF will continue to promote the role of UK exports in creating sustainable growth overseas. It aims to secure 拢10 billion in financing for UK exports to low and middle-income countries over the next five years, driving UK-led improvement of infrastructure and governance in developing markets while supporting British jobs.聽聽聽

The new plan emphasises the role of greater digitalisation in widening access to finance and insurance 鈥� with a fully online insurance service expected in coming months.聽聽

Tim Reid, CEO of UK Export Finance, said:

UKEF plays a key role in growing the UK鈥檚 trade base by unlocking billions of pounds in financing for UK exporters every year.聽聽

Our new plan recognises the strength of the UKEF offer, whether in supporting the low-carbon transition or using our deep sectoral understanding, global relationships and the opportunities created by new free trade agreements to get more UK businesses involved in large international projects.聽聽

For our customers it also means more digital services, a better user experience and a continued commitment to deliver innovative and game-changing solutions that work for them, so that UKEF can unlock the finance they need to export.

UKEF is expected to publish its next annual results in June 2024, showing how it is already supporting UK businesses and international communities.

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Published 30 April 2024